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• Assessing the Homeland Security Impacts of a Changing Climate, Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Recovery of the Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, One Hundred Sixteenth Congress, First Session, April 9, 2019

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  This is the April 9, 2019 hearing titled "Assessing the Homeland Security Impacts of a Changing Climate," held before the House Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Recovery of the Committee on Homeland Security. From the opening statement of Donald M. Payne, Jr.: "The last time this committee held a noticed activity on climate change, it was in 2015 when the Republicans held a hearing entitled 'Examining DHS's Misplaced Focus on Climate Change.' Let me be clear: Climate change is here, it is happening, and the scientific evidence is there, and it is a threat to our security. If continued unchecked, the effects of climate change will have a devastating impact on nearly every aspect of American life. Scientists from all over the world are clear: If we do not start taking steps to address this issue, it will soon be too late. As climate change continues to make extreme weather events worse, our critical infrastructure will be at risk of failing--a terrifying prospect for our homeland security." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Astrid Caldas, Timothy Manning, Kristie Trousdale, and Dan Eggleston.

  United States. Government Publishing Office

  2019
• National Water Program 2012 Strategy: Response to Climate Change

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  "Climate change poses significant challenges to water resources and the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) National Water Program (NWP). The NWP 2012 Strategy: Response to Climate Change addresses climate change in the context of our water programs. It emphasizes assessing and managing risk and incorporating adaptation into core programs. Many of the programs and activities already underway throughout the NWP-such as protecting healthy watersheds and wetlands; managing stormwater with green infrastructure; and improving the efficiency and sustainability of water infrastructure, including promoting energy and water efficiency, reducing pollutants, and protecting drinking water and public health-are even more important to do in light of climate change. However, climate change poses such significant challenges to the nation's water resources that more transformative approaches will be necessary. These include critical reflection on programmatic assumptions and development and implementation of plans to address climate change's challenges."

  United States. Environmental Protection Agency

  2012-12
• Highlights of Progress: 2012: Report on the Implementation of the 'National Action Plan: Priorities for Managing Freshwater Resources in a Changing Climate'

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  "In October 2011, the Interagency Climate Change Adaptation Task Force published a 'National Action Plan' providing an overview of the challenges that a changing climate presents for the management of the Nation's freshwater resources and recommending actions for Federal agencies to support water resource managers in understanding and reducing the risks of climate change. During 2012, Federal agency members of the Task Force have worked to implement the actions called for in the National Action Plan. This 'Highlights of Progress: 2012' document summarizes the progress agencies have made in implementing the 'National Action Plan' between January 2012 and January 2013. The 'National Action Plan' was developed in response to a recommendation in the October 2010 'Progress Report' of the Interagency Climate Change and Adaptation Task Force. It was developed for the Task Force by an Interagency Climate Change and Water Resources Workgroup made up of representatives from Federal agencies involved in water resources science and management. The Workgroup, which is co-chaired by the Department of Interior (DOI), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), prepared this 'Highlights of Progress: 2012' document to provide an annual report to the public concerning progress in addressing this important topic (see Supporting Action #1; page 16 of the 'National Action Plan'). Six recommendations to improve water resources management in a changing climate are presented in the 'National Action Plan.'"

  United States. Interagency Climate Change Adaptation Task Force

  2013-03
• Climate Change Adaptation Plan: U.S. Department of the Treasury

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  "The U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury) recognizes that climate change will be one of the major challenges of the 21st century. Treasury understands that certain aspects of its operations and mission could be impacted by expected changes in regional climate conditions throughout the United States. Treasury intends to take a comprehensive approach to climate change that incorporates new knowledge and changing conditions into our missions, facility operations, and programs. This approach will enhance the capacity of our operations, design, construction, planning, and maintenance to adapt to a changing climate. Our goal is to develop practical, nationally consistent, legally justifiable, and cost effective measures, both structural and nonstructural, to reduce vulnerabilities to climate change. We are taking a collaborative approach that embodies a new attitude to partnering between agencies. This collaboration takes advantage of our different perspectives and expertise so that our progress on adaptation reflects the best available and actionable science. We are taking a phased approach that allows us to identify uncertainties, whether in climate projections or in systems responses, so that we begin adaptation in areas where uncertainties are relatively smaller and the risk of adverse or unintended consequences is lower. We are developing and implementing plans, policies, and infrastructure adaptation in parallel, rather than sequentially, so that adaptation begins soonest for projects that are most vulnerable. We are refining our adaptation based on the new knowledge."

  United States. Department of the Treasury

  2012-06
• HHS Climate Change Adaptation Plan

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  "Section 8(i) of Executive Order (E.O.) 13514, 'Federal Leadership in Environmental, Energy, and Economic Performance,' requires that each Federal agency evaluate agency climate change risks and vulnerabilities to manage both the short and long-term effects of climate change on the agency's mission and operations, and prepare a Climate Change Adaptation Plan (Adaptation Plan). In accordance with the instructions of the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), dated February 29, 2012, this Adaptation Plan applies to the agency level, not to agency divisions or offices, which will be examining effects of climate change on the their mission and operations, as appropriate. […] As part of this effort, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has completed a final analysis of agency vulnerability to climate change for internal use. […] This document will outline the challenges posed by climate change to the HHS mission, programs, and operations, and identify specific actions in FY 2013 and beyond to better understand and address those challenges."

  United States. Department of Health and Human Services

  2012-06-29
• Climate Change, Permafrost, and Impacts on Civil Infrastructure

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  This is a "Permafrost Task Force Report" from the U.S. Arctic Research Commission. "Permafrost, or perenially frozen ground, is a critical component of the cryosphere and the Arctic system. Permafrost regions occupy approximately 24% of the terrestrial surface of the Northern Hemisphere; further, the distribution of subsea permafrost in the Arctic Ocean is not well known, but new occurrences continue to be found. The effects of climatic warming on permafrost and the seasonally thawed layer above it (the active layer) can severely disrupt ecosystems and human infrastructure such as roads, bridges, buildings, utilities, pipelines, and airstrips. The susceptibility of engineering works to thaw-induced damage is particularly relevant to communities and structures throughout northern Alaska, Russia, and Canada. It is clear from the long-term paleographic record in these areas that climatic warming can lead to increases in permafrost temperature, thickening of the active layer, and a reduction in the percentage of the terrestrial surface underlain by near-surface permafrost. Such changes can lead to extensive settlement of the ground surface, with attendant damage to infrastructure. To advance U.S. and international permafrost research, the U.S. Arctic Research Commission in 2002 chartered a task force on climate change, permafrost, and infrastructure impacts. The task force was asked to identify key issues and research needs to foster a greater understanding of global change impacts on permafrost in the Arctic and their linkages to natural and human systems. Permafrost was found to play three key roles in the context of climatic changes: as a record keeper (temperature archive); as a translator of climatic change (subsidence and related impacts); and as a facilitator of climatic change (impact on the global carbon cycle). The potential for melting of ice-rich permafrost constitutes a significant environmental hazard in high-latitude regions."

  United States. Arctic Research Commission

  Brigham, Lawson W.; Nelson, Frederick E.

  2003-12
• Chinese and Russian Policies on Climate Change: Implications for U.S. National Security Policy

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  From the thesis abstract: "Since the conclusion of the 1997 Kyoto Protocol negotiations, the Chinese government has been steadily increasing measures for the reduction of its greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions. Meanwhile, the Russian government has been extremely hesitant to even acknowledge humanity's role in climate change. This thesis investigates why China and Russia have chosen to take such divergent paths regarding climate change after compliance obligations were established at Kyoto. The factors considered include shifts in national public opinion regarding climate change, economics, demographics, expected future effects of global warming, resources, and the Kyoto Protocol itself. The case studies of Chinese and Russian climate change policies and programs highlight three significant factors in the divergence: 1) the Kyoto Protocol, which set the initial policy baselines for both countries; 2) geography and demography, which forced China to take actions to combat climate change since it is half the size of Russia but has roughly ten times as many people; and 3) the lengthy and continuous leadership of Russia's current president--Vladimir Putin--who has held the position of either president or prime minister since 1999 and has taken virtually no action to combat climate change."

  Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)

  Sechrist, David T.

  2016-06
• Climate Change: Activities of Selected Agencies to Address Potential Impact on Global Migration, Report to Congressional Requesters

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  "The effects of climate change, combined with other factors, may alter human migration trends across the globe, according to the International Organization for Migration. For example, climate change can increase the frequency and intensity of natural disasters, causing populations to move from an area. Climate change can also intensify slow-onset disasters, such as drought, crop failure, or sea level rise, potentially altering longer-term migration trends. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review how U.S. agencies address climate change as a potential driver of global migration. For State, USAID [United States Agency for International Development], and DOD, this report (1) describes executive branch actions related to climate change and migration from fiscal years 2014 through 2018; (2) examines the extent to which the agencies discussed the potential effects of climate change on migration in their plans and risk assessments; and (3) describes agency activities on the issue. GAO analyzed documents on administration priorities; reviewed agency plans, risk assessments, and documentation of agency activities; and interviewed agency officials."

  United States. Government Accountability Office

  2019-01
• Office of Water: Climate Change Adaptation Implementation Plan

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  From the Introduction: "This 'Implementation Plan' provides an overview of the opportunities available to the Office of Water within the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to respond to the challenges that a changing climate poses for the successful operation of national programs to protect the quality of the national water resources and drinking water. This 'Plan' is organized using the framework adopted by the EPA for each of its major national offices and regional offices. Key elements of the 'Plan' address: [1] Vulnerability of water resources, including clean water and drinking water programs, to climate change; [2] Priority actions for water program response to climate change; [3] Office of Water contribution to meeting EPA strategic measures on climate change; [4] Legal and enforcement issues; [5] Training and outreach for climate change adaptation; [6] Partnerships with Tribes; [7] Populations and places vulnerable to a changing climate; and [8] Program evaluation and cross-Agency pilot projects."

  United States. Environmental Protection Agency

  2014-05
• H. Rept. 116-375: Department of Homeland Security Climate Change Research Act, Report to Accompany H.R. 4737, Including Cost Estimate of the Congressional Budget Office, January 10, 2020

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  From the Purpose and Summary: "H.R. 4737, the 'Department of Homeland Security Climate Change Research Act,' would direct the Department of Homeland Security (the Department or DHS)'s Science and Technology Directorate to assess current Federal research regarding the connection between climate change and homeland security to identify research gaps and, to the extent practical, conduct additional research to fill identified gaps. In addition to focusing on how climate change can result in competition for resources, economic distress, and social discontent, the research shall consider the degree to which climate change is reflected in terrorism preparedness, and how Federal spending is affected for disasters that are aggravated by climate change. Under this measure, DHS would also be required, to the extent practical, to develop approaches to mitigate the consequences of climate change on homeland security. For three years after enactment of H.R. 4737, DHS would be required to submit annual reports to Congress on the Department's activities in furtherance of the implementation of this measure."

  United States. Government Publishing Office

  2020-01-10
• Climate Change and Existing Law: A Survey of Legal Issues Past, Present, and Future [January 3, 2013]

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  "This report surveys 'existing' law for legal issues that have arisen, or may arise in the future, on account of climate change and government responses thereto. At the threshold of many climate-change-related lawsuits are two barriers--whether the plaintiff has standing to sue and whether the claim being made presents a political question. Both barriers have forced courts to apply amorphous standards in a new and complex context. Efforts to mitigate climate change--that is, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions--have spawned a host of legal issues. The Supreme Court resolved a big one in 2007: the Clean Air Act (CAA), it said, authorizes EPA [Environmental Protection Agency] to regulate GHG emissions. EPA's subsequent efforts to carry out that authority have been sustained by the D.C. Circuit. Another issue is whether EPA's 'endangerment finding' for GHG emissions from new motor vehicles will compel EPA to move against GHG emissions from other sources, and, if EPA does, whether the CAA authorizes capand- trade programs. Still other mitigation issues are (1) the role of the Endangered Species Act in addressing climate change; (2) how climate change must be considered under the National Environmental Policy Act; (3) liability and other questions raised by carbon capture and sequestration; (4) constitutional constraints on land use regulation and state actions against climate change; and (5) whether the public trust doctrine applies to the atmosphere."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Meltz, Robert

  2013-01-03
• Climate Change and Existing Law: A Survey of Legal Issues Past, Present, and Future [November 15, 2012]

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  "This report surveys 'existing' law for legal issues that have arisen, or may arise in the future, on account of climate change and government responses thereto. At the threshold of many climate-change-related lawsuits are two barriers--whether the plaintiff has standing to sue and whether the claim being made presents a political question. Both barriers have forced courts to apply amorphous standards in a new and complex context. Efforts to mitigate climate change--that is, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions--have spawned a host of legal issues. The Supreme Court resolved a big one in 2007--the Clean Air Act (CAA), it said, does authorize EPA [Environmental Protection Agency] to regulate GHG emissions. Quite recently, a host of issues raised by EPA's efforts to carry out that authority were resolved in the agency's favor by the D.C. Circuit. Another issue is whether EPA's 'endangerment finding' for GHG emissions from new motor vehicles will compel EPA to move against GHG emissions under other CAA authorities. Still other mitigation issues are (1) the role of the Endangered Species Act in addressing climate change; (2) how climate change must be considered under the National Environmental Policy Act; (3) liability and other questions raised by carbon capture and sequestration; (4) constitutional constraints on land use regulation and state actions against climate change; and (5) whether the public trust doctrine applies to the atmosphere."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Meltz, Robert

  2012-11-15
• Climate Change and Existing Law: A Survey of Legal Issues Past, Present, and Future [July 2, 2012]

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  "This report surveys 'existing' law for legal issues that have arisen, or may arise in the future, on account of climate change and government responses thereto. At the threshold of many climate-change-related lawsuits are two barriers--whether the plaintiff has standing to sue and whether the claim being made presents a political question. Both barriers have forced courts to apply amorphous standards in a new and complex context. Efforts to mitigate climate change--that is, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions--have spawned a host of legal issues. The Supreme Court resolved a big one in 2007--the Clean Air Act (CAA), it said, does authorize EPA to regulate GHG emissions. Quite recently, a host of issues raised by EPA's efforts to carry out that authority were resolved in the agency's favor by the D.C. Circuit. Another issue is whether EPA's 'endangerment finding' for GHG emissions from new motor vehicles will compel EPA to move against GHG emissions under other CAA authorities. Still other mitigation issues are (1) the role of the Endangered Species Act in addressing climate change; (2) how climate change must be considered under the National Environmental Policy Act; (3) liability and other questions raised by carbon capture and sequestration; (4) constitutional constraints on land use regulation and state actions against climate change; and (5) whether the public trust doctrine applies to the atmosphere."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Meltz, Robert

  2012-07-02
• Climate Change and Existing Law: A Survey of Legal Issues Past, Present, and Future [October 25, 2012]

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  "This report surveys 'existing' law for legal issues that have arisen, or may arise in the future, on account of climate change and government responses thereto. At the threshold of many climate-change-related lawsuits are two barriers--whether the plaintiff has standing to sue and whether the claim being made presents a political question. Both barriers have forced courts to apply amorphous standards in a new and complex context. Efforts to mitigate climate change--that is, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions--have spawned a host of legal issues. The Supreme Court resolved a big one in 2007--the Clean Air Act (CAA), it said, does authorize EPA [Environmental Protection Agency] to regulate GHG emissions. Quite recently, a host of issues raised by EPA's efforts to carry out that authority were resolved in the agency's favor by the D.C. Circuit. Another issue is whether EPA's 'endangerment finding' for GHG emissions from new motor vehicles will compel EPA to move against GHG emissions under other CAA authorities. Still other mitigation issues are (1) the role of the Endangered Species Act in addressing climate change; (2) how climate change must be considered under the National Environmental Policy Act; (3) liability and other questions raised by carbon capture and sequestration; (4) constitutional constraints on land use regulation and state actions against climate change; and (5) whether the public trust doctrine applies to the atmosphere."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Meltz, Robert

  2012-10-25
• Climate Change and Existing Law: A Survey of Legal Issues Past, Present, and Future [July 23, 2012]

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  "This report surveys 'existing' law for legal issues that have arisen, or may arise in the future, on account of climate change and government responses thereto. At the threshold of many climate-change-related lawsuits are two barriers--whether the plaintiff has standing to sue and whether the claim being made presents a political question. Both barriers have forced courts to apply amorphous standards in a new and complex context. Efforts to mitigate climate change--that is, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions--have spawned a host of legal issues. The Supreme Court resolved a big one in 2007--the Clean Air Act (CAA), it said, does authorize EPA [Environmental Protection Agency] to regulate GHG emissions. Quite recently, a host of issues raised by EPA's efforts to carry out that authority were resolved in the agency's favor by the D.C. Circuit. Another issue is whether EPA's 'endangerment finding' for GHG emissions from new motor vehicles will compel EPA to move against GHG emissions under other CAA authorities. Still other mitigation issues are (1) the role of the Endangered Species Act in addressing climate change; (2) how climate change must be considered under the National Environmental Policy Act; (3) liability and other questions raised by carbon capture and sequestration; (4) constitutional constraints on land use regulation and state actions against climate change; and (5) whether the public trust doctrine applies to the atmosphere."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Meltz, Robert

  2012-07-23
• Climate Change and Existing Law: A Survey of Legal Issues Past, Present, and Future [July 27, 2012]

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  "This report surveys existing law for legal issues that have arisen, or may arise in the future, on account of climate change and government responses thereto. At the threshold of many climate-change-related lawsuits are two barriers--whether the plaintiff has standing to sue and whether the claim being made presents a political question. Both barriers have forced courts to apply amorphous standards in a new and complex context. Efforts to mitigate climate change--that is, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions--have spawned a host of legal issues. The Supreme Court resolved a big one in 2007--the Clean Air Act (CAA), it said, does authorize EPA to regulate GHG emissions. Quite recently, a host of issues raised by EPA's efforts to carry out that authority were resolved in the agency's favor by the D.C. Circuit. […] Other adaptation responses to climate change raising legal issues, often property rights related, are beach armoring (seawalls, bulkheads, etc.), beach re-nourishment, and 'retreat' measures. Retreat measures seek to move existing development away from areas likely to be affected by floods and sea level rise, and to discourage new development there. Natural disasters to which climate change contributes may prompt questions as to whether response actions taken in an emergency are subject to relaxed requirements and, similarly, as to the rebuilding of structures destroyed by such disasters just as they were before. Finally, immigration and refugee law appear not to cover persons forced to relocate because of climate change impacts such as drought or sea level rise."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Meltz, Robert

  2012-07-27
• Effects of Climate Change on Federal Hydropower: Report to Congress August 2013

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  From the Executive Summary: "As directed by Congress in Section 9505 of the SECURE Water Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-11), the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), in consultation with the federal Power Marketing Administrations (PMAs) and other federal agencies, has prepared a comprehensive assessment examining the potential effects of climate change on water available for hydropower generation at federal facilities and on the marketing of that power. [...] The 9505 Assessment, [...] included: 1) a historical analysis of the sensitivity of federal hydropower operations to climate variables, 2) a climate modeling analysis that projected climate conditions and impacts to hydropower into the future, and 3) a literature review of other related climate studies for comparison to the 9505 modeling results. [...] The 9505 Assessment gives federal hydropower administrators the opportunity to plan their operational or contracting responses to these changes. Recommendations from the PMA administrators on how they can respond to the effects of climate change are included as part of this Report to Congress. The future assessments that are required every five years under Section 9505 can be improved by incorporating improved climate models and data that will become available soon, closer examination of extreme events and longer-term change in more detail, and addressing the interactions among hydropower and other water uses."

  United States. Department of Energy

  2013-08
• Approach for Assessing Human Health Vulnerability and Public Health Interventions to Adapt to Climate Change

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  "Assessments of the potential human health impacts of climate change are needed to inform the development of adaptation strategies, policies, and measures to lessen projected adverse impacts. For this paper, the authors developed methods for country-level assessments to help policy makers make evidence-based decisions to increase resilience to current and future climates, and to provide information for national communications to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The steps in an assessment should include the following: a) determine the scope of the assessment; b) describe the current distribution and burden of climate-sensitive health determinants and outcomes; c) identify and describe current strategies, policies, and measures designed to reduce the burden of climate-sensitive health determinants and outcomes; d) review the health implications of the potential impacts of climate variability and change in other sectors; e) estimate the future potential health impacts using scenarios of future changes in climate, socioeconomic, and other factors; f) synthesize the results; and g) identify additional adaptation policies and measures to reduce potential negative health impacts. Key issues for ensuring that an assessment is informative, timely, and useful include stakeholder involvement, an adequate management structure, and a communication strategy."

  National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

  2006-12
• Climate Change Indicators in the United States, 2014; Third Edition

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  "The Earth's climate is changing. Temperatures are rising, snow and rainfall patterns are shifting, and more extreme climate events--like heavy rainstorms and record high temperatures--are already taking place. Scientists are highly confident that many of these observed changes can be linked to the climbing levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in our atmosphere, which are caused by human activities. The climate change indicators in this report look at the composition of the atmosphere, fundamental measures of climate, and the extent to which several climate-sensitive aspects of the oceans, snow and ice, human health, society, and ecosystems are changing. Together, these indicators present compelling evidence that climate change is happening now in the United States and around the world."

  United States. Environmental Protection Agency

  2014
• Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation in the Intermountain Region, Part 2

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  "The Intermountain Adaptation Partnership (IAP) identified climate change issues relevant to resource management on Federal lands in Nevada, Utah, southern Idaho, eastern California and western Wyoming, and developed solutions intended to minimize negative effects of climate change and facilitate transition of diverse ecosystems to a warmer climate. [...] The earliest and most profound effects of climate change are expected for water resources, the result of declining snowpacks causing higher peak winter streamflows, lower summer flows, and higher stream temperatures. These changes will in turn reduce fish habitat for cold-water fish species, negatively affect riparian vegetation and wildlife, damage roads and other infrastructure, and reduce reliable water supplies for communities. Increased frequency and magnitude of disturbances (drought, insect outbreaks, wildfire) will reduce the area of mature forest, affect wildlife populations (some positively, some negatively), damage infrastructure and cultural resources, degrade the quality of municipal water supplies, and reduce carbon sequestration. Climate change effects on recreation, a major economic driver in the IAP region, will be positive for warm-weather activities and negative for snow-based activities. IAP participants developed adaptation options that can be implemented in planning, project management, monitoring, and restoration as climate-smart responses to altered resource conditions."

  United States. Department of Agriculture; United States. Forest Service; Rocky Mountain Research Station (Fort Collins, Colo.)

  Halofsky, Jessica E.; Peterson, David L.; Ho, Joanne J. . . .

  2018-04
• Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation in the Intermountain Region, Part 1

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  "The Intermountain Adaptation Partnership (IAP) identified climate change issues relevant to resource management on Federal lands in Nevada, Utah, southern Idaho, eastern California, and western Wyoming, and developed solutions intended to minimize negative effects of climate change and facilitate transition of diverse ecosystems to a warmer climate. [...] The earliest and most profound effects of climate change are expected for water resources, the result of declining snowpacks causing higher peak winter streamflows, lower summer flows, and higher stream temperatures. These changes will in turn reduce fish habitat for cold-water fish species, negatively affect riparian vegetation and wildlife, damage roads and other infrastructure, and reduce reliable water supplies for communities. Increased frequency and magnitude of disturbances (drought, insect outbreaks, wildfire) will reduce the area of mature forest, affect wildlife populations (some positively, some negatively), damage infrastructure and cultural resources, degrade the quality of municipal water supplies, and reduce carbon sequestration. Climate change effects on recreation, a major economic driver in the IAP region, will be positive for warm-weather activities and negative for snow-based activities. IAP participants developed adaptation options that can be implemented in planning, project management, monitoring, and restoration as climate-smart responses to altered resource conditions."

  United States. Department of Agriculture; United States. Forest Service; Rocky Mountain Research Station (Fort Collins, Colo.)

  Halofsky, Jessica E.; Peterson, David L.; Ho, Joanne J. . . .

  2018-04
• Climate Change: Federal Laws and Policies Related to Greenhouse Gas Reductions [Updated January 28, 2008]

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  "Climate change is generally viewed as a global issue, but proposed responses generally require action at the national level. In 1992, the United States ratified the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) which called on industrialized countries to take the lead in reducing greenhouse gases. Over the past 15 years, a variety of voluntary and regulatory actions have been proposed or undertaken in the United States, including monitoring of utility carbon dioxide emissions, improved appliance efficiency, and incentives for developing renewable energy sources. In 2001, President George W. Bush rejected the Kyoto Protocol to the UNFCCC, which called for legally binding commitments by developed countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. He also rejected the concept of mandatory emissions reductions. Since then, the Administration has focused U.S. climate change policy on voluntary initiatives to reduce the growth in greenhouse gas emissions. This focus is particularly evident in the Administration's 2006 Climate Action Report (CAR) submitted under the provisions of the UNFCCC. Of the roughly 50 programs summarized in the 2006 CAR, only seven are described as 'regulatory.' These regulatory programs were generally implemented to achieve energy or environmental goals other than the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, but produced a concomitant emissions reduction. In this sense, they could be considered the results of a 'no regrets'3 policy in which climate change effects resulting from related air quality and energy policies are included in the decision-making process on new or modified rules. This report provides background on the evolution of U.S. climate change policy from ratification of the UNFCCC to the George W. Bush Administration's rejection of the Kyoto Protocol programs, to the present. Current major regulatory programs that monitor or reduce greenhouse gas emissions are identified, along with their estimated effect on greenhouse gas emissions. Finally, energy legislation enacted in the 109th and 110th Congresses that could directly or indirectly reduce greenhouse gases is discussed."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Yacobucci, Brent D.; Parker, Larry, 1954-

  2008-01-28
• Climate Change Adaption: Strategic Federal Planning Could Help Officials Make More Informed Decisions, Report to the Chairman, Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming, House of Representatives

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  "Changes in the climate attributable to increased concentrations of greenhouse gases may have significant impacts in the United States and the world. For example, climate change could threaten coastal areas with rising sea levels. Greenhouse gases already in the atmosphere will continue altering the climate system into the future, regardless of emissions control efforts. Therefore, adaptation -defined as adjustments to natural or human systems in response to actual or expected climate change -is an important part of the response to climate change. GAO was asked to examine (1) what actions federal, state, local, and international authorities are taking to adapt to a changing climate; (2) the challenges that federal, state, and local officials face in their efforts to adapt; and (3) actions that Congress and federal agencies could take to help address these challenges. We also discuss our prior work on similarly complex, interdisciplinary issues. This report is based on analysis of studies, site visits to areas pursuing adaptation efforts, and responses to a Web-based questionnaire sent to federal, state, and local officials."

  United States. Government Accountability Office

  2009-10
• Climate Change: Considerations for Geographic Combatant Commands

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  "Climate change is a national security issue that all geographic combatant commanders (GCCs) must consider as a challenge, and in some cases, an opportunity as they continuously assess risks and update their theater campaign plans to gain advantage in achieving their desired end-states. Not only must GCCs assess climate change impacts to U.S. operations from specific risks to force-employment supporting infrastructure; but, they should also assess the opportunities that exist to further international partnerships by supporting and coordinating with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) as it carries out specific development mandates within its Global Climate Change Initiative. By doing so, GCCs will follow CJCS [Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff] Dempsey's guidance by turning climate change risk into an 'opportunity' to leverage the 'right tools' to enhance relationships with 'the right partners.' This paper will focus on the risks and opportunities for action specific to U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) as a 'case-study' useful for any GCC addressing Department of Defense's recent climate change adaptation guidance and for advancing the dialogue that took place during DoD's September 2014 Combatant Command Climate Security Information Exchange. "

  Army War College (U.S.)

  Kirk, Jason A.
• US Army Corps of Engineers, 2012 Climate Change Adaptation Plan and Report

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  From the Executive Summary: "The hydrologic and coastal processes underlying water resources management are very sensitive to changes in climate and weather. The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has a compelling need to understand and adapt to climate change and variability because our Civil Works Program and associated water resources infrastructure represent a tremendous Federal investment that supports public safety and local and national economic growth. In response to growing body of evidence about climate impacts to our missions and operations, we published a foundational report with other water resources agencies: 'Climate Change and Water Resources Management: A Federal Perspective'. Since that time, we have developed a governance structure to support mainstreaming adaptation by establishing an overarching 'USACE Climate Change Adaptation Policy Statement' and a Climate Change Adaptation Steering Council."

  United States. Army. Corps of Engineers

  2012-06
• Marine Corps University Journal: Climate Change & Policy [Special Issue 2016]

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  The Spring 2015 edition of the 'Marine Corps University Journal' contains the following articles: "Climate Change and the Department of Defense: An Introduction" by Edward J. Erickson; "Richard Nixon, Barack Obama, and the Road to American Climate Change Policy" by J. Brooks Flippen; "Warmly Argued: A Brief Historical Look at Two Centuries of Climate Change Findings in Public Dialogue" by Michael Reis; "Tooth-to-Tail Greening: Energy and Climate Leadership and Policy Change at the Department of Defense" by Rebecca Pincus; "Impact of Climate Change on U.S. Military Operations in the Western Pacific" by Ralph Espach, David Zvijac, and Ronald Filadelfo; and "Examing Long-Term Climate-Related Security Risks through the Use of Gaming and Scenario Planning" by Catherine M. Schkoda, Shawna G. Cuan, and E. D. McGrady.

  Marine Corps University (U.S.). Press

  2016
• Climate Change: Current Issues and Policy Tools [March 6, 2009]

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  This CRS report discusses climate change. "On June 2, 2008, the Senate agreed to consider a bill (S. 3036) to control greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. In the 111th Congress, leadership in both chambers have announced their intentions to pass bills in 2009 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These actions are indicative of the pressures Members of Congress increasingly face on whether and how to address human-induced climate change. Contentious debates scrutinize issues of science, economics, values, geopolitics and a host of other concerns. Deliberations also weigh the appropriateness of alternative policy tools and program designs. [...]. For decision-makers considering actions to address climate change, an assortment of policy instruments is available; studies suggest that a combination could be most effective in achieving various climate policy objectives. Current policy attention has focused on 'cap and trade' strategies to reduce [green house gases (GHG)] emissions, with additional policy tools aimed at promoting the technology development considered necessary to slow climate change significantly. In parallel, growing attention is being given to supporting adaptations to expected future changes, as well as to strategies to gain effective international engagement in reducing GHG. [...]. Policy options can ease the adjustments required and modify the distribution of costs--or potential wealth embodied in distribution of emission allowances--across specific sectors or populations. A core challenge of policy design, then, is balancing the climate effectiveness of a policy, the economic costs, and its distributional effects."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Leggett, Jane A.

  2009-03-06
• Update on the Latest Climate Change Science and Local Adaptation Measures, Hearing Before the Committee on Environment and Public Works, United States Senate, One Hundred Twelfth Congress, Second Session, August 1, 2012

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  This is the August 1, 2012 hearing in the 'Update on the Latest Climate Change Science and Local Adaptation Measures' held before the Committee on Environment and Public Works. From the opening statement from Barbara Boxer: "Colleagues, climate change is real. Human activities are the primary cause, and the warming planet poses a significant risk to people and the environment. I believe to declare otherwise is putting the American people in direct danger. The body of evidence is overwhelming. The world's leading scientists agree. And predictions of climate change impacts are coming true before our eyes. The purpose of this hearing is to share with the Committee the mountain of scientific evidence that has increased substantially over time, time that I believe we should have used to reduce carbon pollution, the main cause of climate change. In 2011 the National Academy of Sciences released the Final Climate Report. It concluded: 'Climate change is occurring. It is caused largely by human activities. It poses significant risks for a broad range of human and natural systems, and the preponderance of evidence points to human activities as the most likely cause for most of the global warming that has occurred over the last 50 years.'" Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Christopher B. Field, John R. Christy, James J. McCarthy, Jonathan Fieding , and Margo Thorning.

  United States. Government Publishing Office

  2017
• Climate Change: USAID is Taking Steps to Increase Projects' Resilience, but Could Improve Reporting of Adaptation Funding, Report to Congressional Requesters

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  From the Government Accountability Office (GAO) Highlights: "USAID [United States Agency for International Development] is the primary U.S. government agency helping countries adapt to the effects of climate change. USAID has provided this assistance through activities that directly address climate adaptation as well as indirectly through activities that received funding for other purposes, such as agriculture, but which also support climate adaptation goals. GAO was asked to review issues related to U.S. foreign assistance for climate adaptation. For USAID, this report examines (1) funding the agency provided for climate adaptation assistance in fiscal years 2014 through 2018, and (2) how climate risk management is implemented. GAO analyzed funding data and documentation of agency activities and climate risk management; interviewed agency and project officials; and conducted fieldwork in three countries receiving adaptation assistance--Guatemala, the Philippines, and Uganda. GAO selected these countries based on the amount of funding they received for climate adaptation activities, geographic diversity, and variety of observed and projected climate effects, among other factors."

  United States. Government Accountability Office

  2020-07
• Electricity Grid Resilience: Climate Change is Expected to Have Far-Reaching Effects and DOE and FERC Should Take Actions, Statement of Frank Rusco, Director, Natural Resources and Environment, Testimony Before the Committee on Environment and Public Works, U.S. Senate

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  From the Document: "According to the U.S. Global Change Research Program, changes in the earth's climate are under way and expected to increase, posing risks to the electricity grid that may affect the nation's economic and national security. Annual costs of weather-related power outages total billions of dollars and may increase with climate change, although resilience investments could help address potential effects, according to the research program. Private companies own most of the electricity grid, but the federal government plays a significant role in promoting grid resilience--the ability to adapt to changing conditions; withstand potentially disruptive events; and, if disrupted, to rapidly recover. DOE [Department of Energy], the lead agency for grid resilience efforts, conducts research and provides information and technical assistance to industry. FERC [Federal Energy Regulatory Commission] reviews mandatory grid reliability standards. This testimony summarizes GAO's [Government Accountability Office] report on grid resilience to climate change. Specifically, the testimony discusses (1) potential climate change effects on the electricity grid; and (2) actions DOE and FERC have taken since 2014 to enhance electricity grid resilience to climate change effects, and additional actions these agencies could take. GAO reviewed reports and interviewed agency officials and 55 relevant stakeholders."

  United States. Government Accountability Office

  Rusco, Frank

  2021-03-10